STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1754-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 106

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.R. No. 106 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WORKING GROUP'S REQUEST FOR RESOURCES AND TIMELINE EXTENSION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to support the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group’s request for more time and resources during fiscal year 2026–2027 so it can continue developing solutions to protect Native Hawaiian intellectual property from misuse. It recognizes the State’s constitutional duty to preserve Native Hawaiian cultural rights and the importance of conducting culturally grounded community consultations. By extending support, the resolution aims to ensure the group can produce thorough, community-informed recommendations that promote Native Hawaiian self-determination, safeguard cultural integrity, and strengthen both cultural and economic well-being in Hawaii

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, The Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, The Hawaiian Council, and 2 individuals.

Your Committee finds that the State of Hawaiʻi has a constitutional obligation to protect and preserve the rights of Native Hawaiians, including traditional and cultural practices. This responsibility extends to the protection of Native Hawaiian intellectual property. Your Committee further finds that, although the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group was required to submit its recommendations no later than forty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2025, additional time is warranted to allow the Working Group to conduct meaningful consultation with the community and relevant stakeholders and to develop a comprehensive and informed report to the Legislature. Your Committee therefore finds that extending the reporting deadline is consistent with the intent of the legislation that established the Working Group.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 106 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair